Customs arraigns foreigner over importation of contraband beef
By Ibe Uwaleke, Judicial Correspondent
A FOREIGNER, Arnold Jerome, who owns a catering service company, Universal Sodexho Catering Nigeria Limited, was yesterday arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos for allegedly importing frozen beef worth N24 million into country, an item under prohibition.
The consignment was intercepted by officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on July 15, 2004 at Ijebu-Ode as the accused was trying to smuggle the goods to his operational base.
According to the two-count charge, the offence he is facing is contrary to Section 46C Custom and Exercise Management Act Cap 84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990 and punishable under Section 169 of the law.
The charge is dated July 20, 2004 and signed by the Assistant Legal Adviser to the Customs, Mr. A. G. Salihu.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail by Justice Abdullahi Mustapha in the sum of N5 million with a surety of like sum, who must be resident in Lagos and should also show evidence that he owns a landed property in Lagos.
In addition, the foreigner was directed to deposit his international passport with the court, pending the hearing and determination of the case against him.
Jerome was represented in court by Mrs. Funke Agbo.
Justice Mustapha, however, adjourned the matter to September 15, 2004 for hearing.
The charge reads: "That you Arnold Jerome, Universal Sodexho Catering Nigeria Limited on or about the 15th day of July, 2004 at Ijebu-Ode axis Lagos State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did illegally import frozen beef as prohibited to wit: Two Forty Footer Container said to contain the frozen beef with number TRU 1967137 and TRU 1965176 valued at N24 million only conveyed in vehicles with registration No XB 490 WWR (Delta) and XB 491 WWR (Delta), which is contrary to Section 46C of Customs Exercise Management Act Cap 84 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990 and punishable under Section 47 (I) C of the same law, among thers.
While NCS appeared as the complainant, Jerome and his company, Universal Sodexho Catering Nigeria Limited were arraigned as the accused.
